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Dog Point Vineyard

Chardonnay 2021

Marlborough

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VINEYARD

Dog Point has Chardonnay planted in part on clay and silty valley floor vineyards, and in part on surrounding clay loam vineyards. Two clones predominate, 75% Mendoza and 25% Clone 95, with some plantings dating back to 1981. Grapes are, as always, hand-picked (95% of New Zealand’s vineyards are machine harvested).

VINTAGE

A cool and frosty start to the growing season and flowering period, naturally reduced yields to the lowest levels in over 20 years. Novembers rain was welcomed prior to the driest summer on record with only 66mm (50% lower than average) over this period. Temperatures were warm, only slightly above average, which enabled a smooth, steady growing season with little disease pressure.

TASTING NOTE

A ripe citrus spectrum of fruit is at the core of a complex chardonnay with spice, toasted nuts and gravelly, flint aromas. A pure and focused palate with a bright, crunchy structure and fine acidity.

Color

White

Blend %

100% Chardonnay

Appellation

Marlborough

Certifications

Organic, Sustainable

Alcohol

12%

Suggested Retail Price

$45

Reviews

95

Wine Advocate - December 20, 2024 "The 2021 Chardonnay leads with preserved lemon on the nose along with freshly picked curry leaf, white peach and spring blossoms. In the mouth, the wine is elegant and layered, with quenching acidity and cleverly managed reduction. This is sophisticated in the extreme and, most importantly, quite restrained, with the power unveiled through the extended length of flavor. This is a superb wine, a joy."

93

Wine Enthusiast - January 25, 2024 "Subtle struck match and grilled nut aromas perch just above the lemon and toast aromas without overpowering them; a salty, seashell vibe is present, too. There's vibrant, citrusy acidity on the palate—a welcome counterweight to the richness of the oak and cream—pulsing to a long finish."

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Dog Point Vineyard Chardonnay Bottle Shot

Other Wines by this Producer

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Sauvignon Blanc

Dog Point’s Sauvignon Blanc takes a category of wine and completely transcends it, with an intensity, depth and energy that so obviously sets it apart from the first encounter. When they decided to make a pure stainless steel vinified Sauvignon Blanc, Dog Point pushed to the ultimate every process to produce top quality, distinctive wine. They hand-pick fruit at low yields, green harvest at times, and ferment partially with indigenous yeasts. This wine helped make Dog Point a key advocate of premium wine production in New Zealand, and for New Zealand across the world.

Section 94 Sauvignon Blanc

Section 94 is widely regarded as the most distinctive and greatest Sauvignon Blanc being made in New Zealand today. James Healy and Ivan Sutherland were among the first to begin fermenting their Sauvignon in barrel with wild yeasts, a technique that along with the old vines they use, leads to a full-bodied wine that is less fruit-forward, more exotic, and has immense textural complexity.

Pinot Noir

Dog Point's renown as a Sauvignon Blanc producers has done nothing to lessen the enthusiasm around their Pinot Noir, today considered one of the finest in New Zealand. What sets their wine apart is the generosity of the structure, which comes off as rich but not sweet, and the complex mingling of fruit and savory notes.